Tasty Sesame Chicken, Green Beans & Rice Recipe: A Perfect Asian-Inspired Dinner

Are you looking for a tasty and easy dinner that feels like Asia? Homemade Asian cuisine is easier than you might think. It’s a fun way to try new flavors right in your kitchen.

Picture a dish that mixes the rich flavor of a Chinese-inspired chicken recipe with the crispness of green beans and the comfort of rice. This sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s both filling and yummy.

This recipe lets you have a meal like a restaurant’s at home. It’s a wise choice for a healthy, tasty dinner that won’t take up all your evening.

Key Takeaways

• Easy-to-make dinner recipe inspired by Asian cuisine
• Combines savory chicken, crunchy green beans, and simple rice
• Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious
• A restaurant-quality meal can be enjoyed at home
• Great way to explore new flavors without leaving your kitchen

Introduction to Sesame Chicken With Green Beans and Rice

If you’re searching for a tasty and quick meal, try this sesame chicken recipe with green beans and rice. It mixes Asian flavors with the ease of a one-pan meal. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner.

Origins of the Dish

Sesame chicken comes from Chinese cuisine, where stir-frying is common. Over time, it has evolved with different ingredients and tastes. Adding green beans and rice makes it a complete meal.

Culinary experts say, “Sesame chicken shows the flexibility of Chinese cooking, with many variations.” This adaptability is why it’s so popular.

Why This Recipe Works

This easy stir-fry recipe is excellent for several reasons. It uses easy-to-find ingredients, making it easy for anyone to cook. It has protein (chicken), veggies (green beans), and carbs (rice) for a balanced meal. The sesame sauce adds a rich, nutty taste that makes it special.

• Quick preparation time
• Simple ingredients
• Balanced nutrition

What to Expect

You’ll get a tasty and fulfilling meal when you make this green bean rice dish. The chicken is tender, the green beans are crisp, and the rice is fluffy. It’s delicious and looks great, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Preparing this meal is a great way to bring everyone together. It is special to enjoy it together at dinner time.

Essential Kitchen Equipment Needed

Preparing a tasty and healthy weeknight dinner idea like Sesame Chicken requires the right kitchen tools. To make this delicious dish, you’ll need some essential equipment.

First, you’ll need a large skillet or wok to cook the chicken and vegetables. A non-stick pan prevents the chicken from sticking and makes it easier to stir-fry.

To prepare the rice, you’ll also need a rice cooker or a medium saucepan. A rice cooker can simplify the process and ensure perfectly cooked rice.

Lastly, have a cutting board and a sharp knife to chop the green beans and other ingredients. A mixing bowl is necessary for marinating the chicken.

With these essential kitchen tools, you’ll be well-prepared to make a delicious and nutritious family meal.

Ingredients Overview

Getting the right ingredients is key to flavorful chicken and vegetables. This guide will help you with the chicken marinade, sauce, rice, and green beans. Your quick and delicious recipe will be a hit.

For the Chicken Marinade

The marinade makes the chicken taste amazing. You’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

For the Sauce

The sauce is what ties everything together. It adds a savory and sweet taste. You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Rice and Green Beans

For the rice and green beans, you’ll need:

• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Having these ingredients ready will make your dish come together easily. You can also try different proteins or veggies to make it your own.

Preparation Time and Serving Size

Knowing how long it takes to prepare and serve a meal is key to a stress-free one. This easy stir-fry recipe makes it easy.

This weeknight dinner idea is fast and straightforward. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s great for a busy night.

This recipe serves four people. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a small party.

• Marinating the chicken: 5 minutes
• Preparing the green beans and rice: 10 minutes
• Cooking the chicken and green beans: 10 minutes
• Cooking the rice: 15-20 minutes

You can make a tasty and healthy meal with little effort by following these steps.

Marinating and Prep Techniques

Marinating and prep techniques make your sesame chicken with green beans and rice taste great. It’s important to know how to prepare each part of the dish. This ensures all flavors work well together.

Chicken Preparation Steps

Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces. Then, marinate it in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. This step adds deep, savory flavors to the chicken.

Key Chicken Preparation Steps:

• Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
• Marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

Vegetable Prep Guide

For the green beans, trim the ends and cut them into even pieces for even cooking. Blanching them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes keeps their color bright and texture crisp.

Tips for Preparing Green Beans:

• Trim the ends
• Cut into uniform pieces
• Blanch in boiling water for 3-5 minutes

Sauce Making Tips

The sauce is essential in bringing the dish together. Mix a bowl of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth, then set aside until ready to use.

Sauce Ingredients:

Perfect Rice Cooking Method

The perfect rice is key to a tasty homemade Asian cuisine dish like sesame chicken with green beans and rice. To get the right texture and flavor, follow a simple method.

Rinse the rice well to remove impurities and excess starch. This makes the rice fluffy. Use a medium saucepan and add the rinsed rice with the right amount of water. A 1:1.5 to 1:2 ratio of rice to water is best.

Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then, lower the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer. This method cooks the rice evenly and keeps it from getting mushy.

Don’t open the lid while cooking. Opening it can release steam and ruin the rice’s texture. After 15-20 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for a few minutes. This is important for the perfect doneness.

Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. It’s now ready to serve with sesame chicken and green beans. This makes a healthy family meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s start making this flavorful chicken and vegetable dish. This guide will help you cook the chicken, prepare the green beans, and mix everything. You’ll get a quick and delicious recipe in no time.

Cooking the Chicken

First, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Preparing the Green Beans

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Then, add the green beans. Cook them until they’re tender but crisp, about 3-5 minutes. You might need to add a bit of water to help steam them.

Combining Components

After cooking the chicken and green beans, it’s time to mix everything. In a large serving dish or on individual plates, put a portion of rice. Then, add the cooked chicken and green beans on top. Drizzle the sauce over it, making sure everything is coated.

Serve it right away and enjoy your quick and delicious recipe!

Sauce Consistency and Adjustments

The sauce is key in this easy stir-fry recipe. Getting it right is essential for even coating of the chicken and veggies.

To adjust the sauce consistency, you can follow these steps:

• If the sauce is too thick, thin it with water or broth.
• If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to thicken.
• Or, mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce for thickness.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency:

It’s essential to taste and adjust the sauce as you go. This ensures it complements the Sesame Chicken and Green Beans. You can achieve a harmonious balance of flavors and textures in your dish by making these adjustments.

The sauce’s consistency is vital for a recipe like honey sesame ginger chicken with rice and green beans. Similar adjustments can be made to achieve the desired outcome.

Plating and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making your weeknight dinner idea shine. We’re here to guide you through it. A well-presented dish enhances the dining experience and makes the meal more appetizing. When serving your Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice, consider a few simple tips to elevate the visual appeal.

Garnishing Ideas

Garnishing is a simple yet effective way to add color and freshness to your dish. Here are some ideas:

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and rice for added texture and flavor.
• Add sliced green onions or scallions on top for a burst of color.
• Place a few slices of fresh lime or lemon on the side to offer a hint of citrus.
• Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a fresh and vibrant touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice in an appealing way can make it a healthy family meal that’s both satisfying and enjoyable. Consider the following serving suggestions:

1. Use a large, shallow bowl or plate to serve, allowing each component to be visible.
2. Arrange the chicken on top of the rice, with green beans on the side or slightly mixed with the rice.
3. Use chopsticks or a decorative spoon and fork for a more authentic Asian-inspired look.

Following these plating and presentation tips, you can turn a simple meal into a visually appealing and delicious weeknight dinner that your family will love.

Storage and Leftover Guidelines

After enjoying your tasty sesame chicken, green beans, and rice, it’s essential to know how to store and reheat leftovers properly. This ensures that your meal remains flavorful and safe to eat.

Proper Storage Methods

To maintain the quality of your sesame chicken and rice, follow these storage steps:

• Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours of cooking.
• Transfer the chicken, green beans, and rice into separate airtight containers.
• Store them in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
• Use shallow containers to help cool the food quickly and prevent bacterial growth.

Storage Duration: Cooked sesame chicken, green beans, and rice can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating your sesame chicken and rice correctly is key for food safety and flavour:

1. Reheat the chicken and rice separately to ensure even heating.
2. Cover a microwave-safe container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
3. Reheat on high for 1-2 minutes for the chicken and 1-3 minutes for the rice, or until steaming hot.
4. Alternately, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated.

Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to the rice to restore its moisture.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This sesame chicken recipe is great because you can change it to fit your taste. You can make it for different meals or special events. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Here are some ways to make the sesame chicken even better:

• Protein Alternatives: Try using tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a new flavour.
• Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers or carrots to mix the taste and texture.
• Sauce Adjustments: Add more honey for sweetness or try different vinegar types.

Remember these tips when you make changes:

1. Balance Flavours: Keep the dish balanced with salty, sweet, sour, and umami flavours.
2. Cooking Time Adjustments: Change cooking times for the new ingredients.
3. Texture Considerations: Think about how the new ingredients will change the texture.

With these tips, you can make the sesame chicken with green beans and rice in many ways. It will always be exciting and just right for you.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

Sesame chicken with green beans and rice is a nutritious and tasty meal. It’s a great mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making it a top pick for a healthy family meal.

The chicken, green beans, and rice offer many essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Calorie Breakdown

The calories in this dish depend on the ingredients and portion sizes. On average, it has 500-600 calories. Most of these calories come from the chicken and rice.

The green beans add fibre and nutrients without many calories.

Protein and Fibre Content

This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken. Protein is key for muscle repair and growth. Green beans also contain a lot of dietary fibre.

Fibre helps with digestion and keeps blood sugar levels healthy. A serving has about 30-40 grams of protein and 5-7 grams of fibre.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe can be tailored to fit different diets. Using brown rice instead of white rice boosts fibre. You can also adjust the sauce to cut down on sugar and sodium.

This homemade Asian cuisine avoids preservatives and additives found in some store-bought dishes. It’s a healthier option.

With a few tweaks, this dish can be part of a balanced diet. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Sesame chicken with green beans and rice is both nutritious and fulfilling.

Conclusion

You now have a quick and delicious recipe for a flavorful chicken and vegetables dish. It features sesame chicken, green beans, and rice. This Asian-inspired dinner is easy to make and full of nutrients.

To make a great dish, focus on the chicken marinade, rice cooking, and stir-frying the green beans. These steps help create a dish with balanced flavours and textures. To make it your own, you can also try different variations, like using tofu instead of chicken or adding more veggies.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s quick and flavourful. You can enjoy a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant, all in the comfort of your home. It’s a dish that will surely become your family’s favourite.

Tasty Sesame Chicken, Green Beans & Rice Recipe: A Perfect Asian-Inspired Dinner

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• Author: mymamarecipes.com
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This sesame chicken with green beans and rice is a delicious Asian-inspired dinner that’s quick to make and full of flavour. Tender chicken is marinated and stir-fried, paired with crisp green beans and fluffy rice, then coated in a savoury sesame sauce. This dish is wholesome, satisfying, and better than takeout, perfect for weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp water

For the Rice and Green Beans:

• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

• Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken, stir to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

• Cook rice: Rinse rice thoroughly. Add rice and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Fluff and set aside.

• Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

• Sauté green beans: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp oil. Add green beans and cook 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add a splash of water to steam if needed.

• Make the sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together. Pour into skillet with green beans and let simmer until thickened (1–2 minutes).

• Combine and serve: Return chicken to the skillet and toss with beans and sauce until coated. Serve over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Notes

Use tofu or shrimp as protein alternatives.

Add bell peppers or carrots for colour and crunch.

Brown rice adds more fibre and nutrients.

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To restore moisture, reheat with a splash of water.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: sesame chicken, green beans, rice bowl, healthy stir-fry, Asian dinner, weeknight meal, sesame sauce chicken, quick dinner recipe